building technologies. “These visits are invaluable,” says Yapa. “They give our members a first-hand look at how cutting-edge technologies are being implemented in real-world settings.” TACKLING INDUSTRY CHALLENGES The hotel industry is not without its challenges; hotel engineers often find themselves at the forefront of addressing these issues. One of the most significant challenges currently facing the industry is the shortage of specialized contractors. As the hospitality sector rebounds from the pandemic, with occupancy rates soaring and room prices increasing, the demand for maintenance and technical services has outpaced the supply of skilled contractors. “Even though hotels are financially strong and ready to invest in maintenance and upgrades, getting the right contractors and supplies on time is a major challenge,” Yapa explains. “This is where our community becomes invaluable. We can share recommendations and find reliable solutions through our meetings and discussions.” The AIHE has introduced roundtable discussions further to support its members as part of its regular meetings. These sessions allow engineers to dive deep into specific issues, such as chiller malfunctions or boiler maintenance, and explore potential solutions collaboratively. “These discussions are vital to our work,” says Yapa. “They provide a space where engineers can share their experiences, learn from each other, and develop practical solutions to common problems.” FORGING PARTNERSHIPS FOR SUSTAINABILITY AND INNOVATION Sustainability is a core focus for the AIHE, and the institute has formed key partnerships to advance this goal. One of the most significant is the institute’s collaboration with the City of Sydney through the Sustainable Destination Partnership. This initiative is part of a broader effort to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2030 and 2050, with hotels playing a crucial role in reducing energy consumption, water usage, and waste production. As part of this partnership, hotels share their energy 47 BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA VOLUME 06, ISSUE 09 AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF HOTEL ENGINEERING (AIHE)
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